Date: June 13, 2021
Information Release –Wildland-Structure Fire
On June 13, 2021, at approx. 12:46 p.m., an out of control trash fire was reported on Ute Drive in the Aspen Springs Subdivision area. The notification was received through the 911 system managed by Archuleta County Combined Dispatch center.
Upon arrival, the first due engine completed a scene size up noting a fire in vegetation. First arriving units established an aggressive fire attack utilizing hose lines and digging hand line. Dry fuel conditions and surrounding vegetation allowed the fire to spread towards several outbuildings. Two outbuildings and the contents were heavily damaged; one additional outbuilding was moderately damaged.
Fire crews remained on scene through the night to monitor for hot spots.
PFPD responded with two engines, four tenders, one wildland engine, two chief cars, one fire marshal vehicle, eight paid staff members, and six volunteers. Mutual aid from the U.S. Forest Service with one wildland engine and additional crew members, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Department, Archuleta County Office of Emergency Management with one wildland engine, Upper Pine Fire Protection District with one tender, Los Pinos Fire Protection District with one tender, Aspen Springs Metro District with one tender and PSMC ambulance were on scene. The USFS also assisted with a Multi-Mission Aircraft flight to check for heat during the evening hours.
PFPD was on scene for approx. five hours.
One residence was evacuated as a precaution. Oak Drive was closed to traffic for approx. four hours to allow emergency responders unimpeded access and allow for public safety.
There are no civilian injuries to report. Two firefighters were transported to a medical facility with heat related illness symptoms. Both firefighters were treated and released. The origin and cause of the fire was due to improperly discarded fireplace ashes.
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Submitted by: Pagosa Fire Protection District Public Information Division
Approved: Randy Larson, Fire Chief